Vignette Picks For Best Music Of 2011

Album of the Year: Bon Iver “Bon Iver”
Lush, sprawling songs come together to create an album of moving beauty. Led by Wisconsin-based Justin Vernon, Bon Iver’s sophomore album has a much more fleshed out sound than the band’s earlier work.

“Bon Iver” is a subtle album that serves as a full mood piece. Shifts in texture and tempo merge with great songwriting to craft a compelling album. Throughout the album, Vernon uses his agile voice to color the music.

Heartfelt musings, emotive vocals and soundscapes combine to make “Bon Iver” my favorite album of the year.

Mixtape of the Year: Big K.R.I.T. “Return of 4eva”
Mississippi-based rapper Big K.R.I.T’s laid back flow and unique take on Southern rap production made “Return of 4eva” the mixtape of the year. The production represents a mix of Southern trunk bangers and soulful, sample based tracks. K.R.I.T. handled all his own production on the tape.

Lyrically, he balances brag rap with socially conscious, soul searching material, such as “The Vent.” It is a perfect combination of approaches. Unlike most mixtapes released this year, “Return of 4eva” flows like an album.

Concert of the Year: Return to Forever/Zappa Plays Zappa at the Midland.
It was an evening of mindblowing musical skill. Jazz fusion titans joined together onstage before an adoring audience. Return to Forever helped to create some of the best hybrids of jazz and rock in the 70s.

All these years later, they still play with the same passion and fire. Zappa Plays Zappa opened the night with a stirring tribute to Dweezil’s father, oddball composer Frank Zappa. Dweezil’s chops as a guitarist were technically impressive and emotive. Chick Coorea joined them for a version of Zappa’s “King Kong.” Return to Forever’s set lasted over two hours and covered their entire career.

The addition of Jean Luc Ponty on violin added a smooth, serene tone to their jazz-rock fusion.  Epic spacial jams like “Romantic Warrior” were balanced by tight funk grooves, like bassist Stanley Clarke’s classic “school Days.” No matter what they were playing, the interplay was jaw dropping.